150 Polar Explorations. 



Geological researches, were also pursued with an avidity 

 not to be checked by the frost, which bound up the solid stra- 

 ta in ten fold chains, nor by the perpetual covering of snow 

 and ice upon the surface. In all these newly discovered 

 lands, primitive and transition rocks prevail, with but few al- 

 luvial deposits, and few if any volcanic remains. No new 

 metalliferous compounds occurred but many useful ores, and 

 some of the more interesting minerals of various kinds, such 

 as garnets, rock crystals and beryl. The fossil remains, and 

 the boulders found in tracts remote from their original locali- 

 ties; the arrangement of strata, and the general geognostical 

 character of the arctic regions, indicate that they are similar 

 to other extensive tracts, which have been examined by nat- 

 uralists. These facts strengthen the opinion that the grand 

 features of nature are every where the same ; that they have 

 been subjected to the same changes, and that the same agen- 

 cies prevailed in forming the solid mass of the earth. 



"When these phenomena," says Prof. Jameson, "are ex- 

 amined in all their relations, and this beautiful and interesting 

 department of natural science, is raised to its true rank, pro- 

 ving that its relations connect it with the extensive arrange- 

 ments of the planetary system — it is then that the patient ob- 

 server is rewarded for his toils, and the mind obtains enduring 

 and sublime views of the deity, in contemplating the frame 

 work of the universe." 



But little now remains to complete the survey of the shores 

 of the frozen ocean, and from the examples of intrepidity, 

 skill and perseverance, exhibited by those who have for the 

 last ten years been engaged in exploring those inhospitable 

 regions, and from the valuable additions thus acquired for 

 science, it may be hoped that the zeal for discovery will not 

 slacken; and that those who have proved themselves quali- 

 fied to contend with the elements — who have so often defied 

 the dominion of cold, and pursued the baffling navigation of 

 icy seas with so much success, wilj yet ascertain the northern 

 boundary of Greenland, and double the Cape of Ceverovos- 

 lochni, on the continent of Asia. 



These enterprises have added a page to the record of Eng- 

 land's glory, more splendid than conquest, and we hope soon 

 to see the annals of our own country dignified by similar 

 achievements. The government of the United States, have 

 ordered the Peacock sloop of war, with two smaller vessels, 

 commanded by Capt Jones, on a voyage of discovery to the 

 Antarctic circle. From the character of those officers and gen- 



